Interface system

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, an interface system includes a receiver, a first clock generator, a second clock generator, and a sampling circuit. The receiver is configured to receive a first clock and serial data from a host. The first clock generator includes a first voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and is configured to generate a second clock on the basis of the first clock. The second clock generator includes a second voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and is configured to generate a third clock on the basis of the serial data. The sampling circuit is configured to sample reception data on the basis of the third clock and the serial data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C.§ 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 17/885,925, filed on Aug. 11, 2022,which is a continuation of and claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 toU.S. application Ser. No. 17/375,054 (now U.S. Pat. No. 11,460,878),filed on Jul. 14, 2021, which is a continuation of and claims benefitunder 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. application Ser. No. 16/389,340 (now U.S.Pat. No. 11,099,597), filed Apr. 19, 2019, which is a continuation ofand claims benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to PCT Application No.PCT/IB2017/055411, filed Sep. 8, 2017, which designates the UnitedStates, and is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under 35U.S.C. § 119 to Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-206337, filed Oct.20, 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated hereinby reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to an interface system.

BACKGROUND

UHS-II/-III are used as, for example, host interface standards of memorycards, and the UHS-II/-III standardize a high speed transmissioninterface by a differential serial coupling. On the other hand, memorycards are removable devices and the electrical connection between amemory card and a host is ensured by a physical contact of an electrodeof the memory card and an electrode of a socket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an interface system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a host interface.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a PLL circuit and a CDRcircuit.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of a control voltage memoryunit.

FIG. 4B is a view showing an example of update of an initial controlvoltage of a VCO.

FIG. 5 is a view showing characteristics of the PLL circuit.

FIG. 6 is a view showing characteristics of a CDR circuit.

FIG. 7 is a view showing a state transition of a device.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of a transition from a reset stateto an active state.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of a recovery mode when the statetransits from a dormant state to an active state.

FIG. 10A is a view showing an example of a transition from an activestate to a dormant state.

FIG. 10B is a view showing an example of a transition from an activestate to a dormant state.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of a relationship between powermanagement and recovery mode.

FIG. 12 is a view showing an example of recovery to an active state inmode M0.

FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of recovery to an active state inmode M1.

FIG. 14 is a view showing an example of recovery to an active state inmode M2.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of application to a memory cardsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments will be described hereinafter with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

In general, according to one embodiment, an interface system connectableto a host comprises a receiver, a first clock generator, a second clockgenerator, a sampling circuit, and a controller. The receiver isconfigured to receive a first clock and serial data from the host. Thefirst clock generator includes a first voltage controlled oscillator(VCO) and is configured to generate a second clock on the basis of thefirst clock. The second clock generator includes a second voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) and is configured to generate a third clockon the basis of the serial data. The sampling circuit is configured tosample reception data on the basis of the third clock and the serialdata. The controller is configured to control a first state where thefirst and second clock generators are in an operating state and a secondstate where the first and second clock generators are in a non-operatingstate. The first clock and the serial data are supplied to the receiverin the first state and are not supplied to the receiver in the secondstate. The controller is further configured to, in a first recoverymode, start sampling of the reception data or transmitting oftransmission data to the host after a certain period of time afterconfirming a transition from the second state to the first state, andnot transmit a response indicative of establishment of synchronizationof the second and third clocks to the host.

EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 shows an example of an interface system. A host 10 includes acontroller 11, and a device interface 12 controlled by the controller11. A device 20 includes a controller 21 and a host interface 22controlled by the controller 21.

The device 20 is a removable device such as a memory card. Since thedevice 20 is a removable device, the electrical connection between thehost 10 and the device 20 is ensured by a physical contact. Thus, thedevice 20 is not suited for high frequency transmission and the contactstate between the host 10 and the device 20 tends to be unstable.

Thus, for example, in UHS-II/-III standards as interface standards, thedevice interface 12 and the host interface 22 include reference clocktransmission line 30 and data transmission lines 31 and 32. Each of thetransmission lines 30, 31, and 32 includes signal line pair (lane+ andlane−) for transmitting differential signals.

Then, the host 10 supplies a reference clock RCLK to the device 20through the reference clock transmission line 30 in parallel to thetransfer of serial data D0 and D1 through the data transmission lines 31and 32. The reference clock RCLK is a low speed (low frequency) clock,and the device 20 generates a high frequency inner clock in. order toperform high speed data transmitting and receiving on the basis of thereference clock RCLK.

As explained above, in UHS-II/-III standards, the device 20 generatesthe inner clock on the basis of the reference clock RCLK, and thus,electro-magnetic interference (EMI) is decreased, and data transfer ofthe transmission/reception data can be efficient.

However, for example, in UHS-II standard, the frequency of the referenceclock RCLK is defined as 1/15 or 1/30 of the data transmission rate(frequency), and in UHS-III standard, the frequency of the referenceclock RCLK is defined as 1/60 or 1/120 of the data transmission rate.

Thus, for example, when the device 20 is changed to an active state froma reset state or a dormant state, if the inner clock is generated on thebasis of such a low frequency reference clock RCLK, a time required forthe stabilization of the frequency of the inner clock after thereception of the reference clock RCLK, that is, a time required untiloutput frequency of a phase-locked loop (PLL) circuit is locked afterthe reception of the reference clock RCLK becomes longer, and the timecannot be steady (varies greatly).

Note that, the reset state of the device 20 is a state where the device20 is physically disconnected from the host 10, that is, a state where amemory card is taken out of a socket.

Furthermore, the dormant state of the device 20 is a state where thedevice 20 is physically connected to the host 10, that is, a state wherea memory card is inserted in a socket while the device 20 enters a powersaving mode (a state where the data transfer of transmission/receptiondata is not possible).

Furthermore, the active state of the device 20 is a state where thedevice 20 is physically connected to the host 10, that is, a state wherea memory card is inserted in a socket. and the device 20 enters a normaloperation mode (a state where the data transfer oftransmission/reception data is possible.

In that case, in order to start the data transfer of thetransmission/reception data between the host 10 and the device 20, thehost 10 must confirm the completion of preparation of the data transferof the transmission/reception data in the device 20, that is, the host10 must confirm that the frequency of the inner clock is stabilized. Thestabilization of the frequency of the inner clock, that is, the outputfrequency of the PLL circuit being locked will be referred to as thatsynchronization of the inner clock is established. Furthermore,confirmation of the establishment of the synchronization of the innerclock will be referred to as a handshake check (or link check) betweenthe host 10 and the device 20.

In order to perform a handshake check between the host 10 and the device20, the device 20 is required to use, for example, a data transmissionline 32 to transmit to the host 10 a response indicating that thesynchronization of the inner clock is established. As a result, a longertime is required to perform the handshake, and latency in the datatransfer increases.

On the other hand, in UHS-II standard, a specification referred to as alow power mode exists. In this specification, for example, since areference clock RCLK is supplied from the host 10 to the device 20 evenin a dormant state, the inner clock is constantly stabilized.

Thus, for example, in a case where the device 20 is changed to an activestate from a dormant state, when a certain period of time elapses sincea transition from the dormant state to the active state is instructed,the data transfer of transmission/reception data can be performedbetween the host 10 and the device 20 without performing a handshakecheck. The certain period of time is, as compared to a time required toperform the data transfer of the transmission/reception data when thesupply of the reference clock RCLK is stopped in the dormant state, veryshort. That is, the latency in the data transfer can be reduced.

However, in this low power mode, for example, the PLL circuit configuredto generate the inner clock must be in an operating state even if thedevice 20 is in a dormant state. Thus, the power consumption of thedevice 20 in a dormant state increases.

In consideration of this point, in the following embodiment, a modewhere the supply of the reference clock RCLK is stopped when the device20 enters in a dormant state and a handshake check between the host 10and the device 20 is omitted when the device 20 returns to an activestate is added in order to propose an interface system in which standbypower in a dormant state is small and a rapid recovery to an activestate from a dormant state is performable.

Note that first and second resistors REG. 0 and REG. 1 in the controller12 will be explained below with reference to FIG. 2 .

FIG. 2 shows an example of a host interface.

The transmission lines 30, 31, and 32 conform to, for example, highspeed serial interface standards such as UHS-II/-III. In thesestandards, for example, a reference clock RCLK is input to the hostinterface 22 through the reference clock transmission line 30.Furthermore, serial data D0 are input to the host interface 22 throughthe data transmission line 31, and serial data D1 are input to the hostthrough the data transmission line 32.

The host interface 22 includes, for example, a receiver 23, PLL circuit(clock generator) 24, clock data recovery (CDR) circuit (clockgenerator) 25, sampling circuit 26, and transmitter 27.

The receiver 23 includes differential amplifiers 231 and 232. Thedifferential amplifier 231 functions as an input buffer of the referenceclock RCLK and the differential amplifier 232 functions as an inputbuffer of serial data D0.

The differential amplifier 231 converts the reference clock RCLK as adifferential signal into a single end signal and outputs the single endsignal to the PLL circuit 24. The differential amplifier 232 convertsserial data D0 as a differential signal into a single end signal andoutputs the single end signal to the CDR circuit 25 and the samplingcircuit 26.

The PLL circuit 24 generates an inner clock CLK0 on the basis of thereference clock RCLK. The inner clock CLK0 is output to, for example, atransmitter 27. The transmitter 27 outputs transmission data DOUT to thedata transmission line 32 as serial data D1 on the basis of the innerclock CLK0.

Furthermore, the PLL circuit 24 includes a voltage controlled oscillator(VCO). The VCO is controlled by a control voltage V0. In this example,the control voltage V0 is output to the CDR circuit 25, too.

The CDR circuit 25 generates an inner clock CLK1 on the basis of serialdata D0. The CDR circuit 25 also functions as a PLL circuit. The innerclock CLK1 is output to, for example, the sampling circuit 26. Thesampling circuit 26 extracts reception data DIN from the serial data D0on the basis of the inner clock CLK1. The inner clock CLK1 is generatednot from the reference clock RCLK but from serial data D0 in order toperform high speed data receiving.

For example, the PILL circuit 24 and the CDR circuit 25 can change to astandby state where inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 are not output while thedevice is in the power saving mode. With the PLL circuit 24 and the CDRcircuit 25 in the standby state, the power consumption in a period oftime when the data transfer of transmission/reception data between thehost and the device is not performed can be reduced. This point will bedescribed later.

Here, registers REG. 0 and REG. 1 of FIG. 1 will be explained.

For example, register REG. 0 is referred to as device capabilitiesregister, and register REG. 1 is referred to as device setting register.

The register REG. 0 stores, for example, parameters which can operatePLL circuit 24 and CDR circuit 25 of FIG. 2 .

For example, a period of time T_EIDL RECOVERY required forsynchronization of the inner clock CLK1 is stored in the register REG.0. The period of time is defined by, for example, a length of STBLsignals, or if a length of STBL signals is constant, the number of STBLsignals (the number of symbols). The register REG. 0 may store a periodof time of EIDL signals between STBH signals and STBL signals or thenumber of symbols of the EIDL signals.

Furthermore, the register REG. 1 stores, for example, parametersrequired to operate PLL circuit 24 and CDR circuit 25 of FIG. 2 . Forexample, these parameters (values of N_EIDL_RECOVERY_GAP,T_EIDL_RECOVERY, T_EIDL_GAP, etc.,) change depending on frequency rangesof PLL circuit 24 and CDR circuit 25 of FIG. 2 .

The controller 21 of FIG. 1 controls the host interface 22 on the basisof the parameters (a period of time required for the synchronisation ofinner clocks CLK0 and CLK1) stored in the registers REG. 0 and REG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a PLL circuit and a CDR circuit.

The PLL circuit 24 includes a phase comparator 241, charge pump circuit242, loop filter 243, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244, divider245, operation control unit 246, and control voltage memory unit 247.

The phase comparator 241 compares a phase of the reference clock RCLK toa phase of a feedback clock FCLK from the divider 245. The phasecomparator 241 outputs control signals (up signals and down signals)corresponding to a phase difference of these clocks.

For example, if frequency of the reference clock RCLK is higher thanfrequency of the feedback clock FCLK, the phase comparator 241 outputsup signals to increase the frequency of the feedback clock FCLK.Furthermore, if frequency of the reference clock RCLK is lower thanfrequency of the feedback clock FCLK, the phase comparator 241 outputsdown signals to decrease the frequency of the feedback clock FCLK.

The charge pump circuit 242 converts the control signals (up signals anddown signals) from the phase comparator 241 into a charge pump current(analog signals) and outputs the charge pump current to the loop filter243. The loop filter 243 converts the charge pump current into a controlvoltage V0. The voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 outputs theinner clock CLK0 on the basis of the control voltage VU. The divider 245outputs the feedback clock FOLK having 1/N frequency of the frequency ofthe inner clock CLK0.

That is, the PLL circuit 24 generates the inner clock CLK0 having N-foldfrequency of the frequency of the reference clock RCLK. Note that N is anatural number of 1 or more. Furthermore, N may be selected from aplurality of values in accordance with the data transmission rate of thetransmission/reception data.

Furthermore, if frequency of the inner clock CLK0 is lower than N-foldof the frequency of the reference clock RCLK, the frequency of thereference clock RCLK becomes higher than the frequency of the feedbackclock FCLK. Thus, the phase comparator 241 outputs us signals and thevoltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 increases the frequency of theinner clock CLK0.

On the other hand, if the frequency of the inner clock CLK0 is greaterthan N-fold of the frequency of the reference clock RCLK, the frequencyof the reference clock RCLK becomes lower than the frequency of thefeedback clock FOLK. Thus, the phase comparator 241 outputs downsignals, and the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 decreases thefrequency of the inner clock CLK0.

Through the above control, the frequency of the inner clock CLK0 is,eventually, locked to N-fold of the frequency of the reference clockRCLK. Such a state where the frequency of the inner clock CLK0 is lockedis a state where the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 isestablished and the data transfer of the transmission/reception databecomes possible between the host and the device.

The operation control unit 246 changes the PLL circuit 24, for example,to a standby state from an operating state when the device is in a powersaving mode. Note that, the PLL circuit 24 may be maintained in anoperating state even when the device is in a power saving mode. Here,the operating state is a state where the inner clock CLK0 can be outputand the standby state is a state where the inner clock CLK0 is notoutput.

In this example, the operation control unit 246 changes, in a standbystate, the charge pump circuit 242, loop filter 243, voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 244, and divider 245 which are surrounded by an area Xto a non-operating state, respectively. Thus, in a period of time whenthe data transfer of the transmission/reception data between the hostand the device is not performed, the power consumption of the interfacesystem can be reduced.

The phase comparator 241 is, for example, constantly in an operatingstate while the device is physically connected to the host. Thus, theoperation control unit 246 can control the operation of the charge pumpcircuit 242, loop filter 243, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244,and divider 245 on the basis of control signals φ0 from the phasecomparator 241.

For example, if control signals φ0 indicate that the reference clockRCLK is not input, the operation control. unit 246 changes the chargepump circuit 242, loop filter 243, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)244, and divider 245 to a non-operating state. Furthermore, if controlsignals φ0 indicate that the reference clock RCLK is input, theoperation control unit 246 changes the charge pump circuit 242, loopfilter 243, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244, and divider 245 toan operating state.

The control voltage memory unit 247 stores a control voltage V0 input inthe voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 in a lock state when thefrequency of the inner clock CLK0 is locked, that is, when thesynchronization of the inner clock CLK0 is established. The storedcontrol voltage V0 is used, when the device enters a power saving modeand then recovers to a normal operation mode from the power saving mode,to lock the frequency of the inner clock CLK0 to rapid.

That is, before and after the power saving mode, there will be no changein the data transmission rate (range) of the transmission/receptiondata. In that case, in the normal operation mode after the power savingmode, the control voltage V0 by which the frequency or the inner clockCLK as locked would match to the control voltage VU by which thefrequency of the inner clock CLK had be locked in the normal operationmode before the power saving mode, or to an approximate value thereof.

Thus, in a case of the recovery to the normal operation mode from thepower saving mode, if the control voltage V0 by which the frequency ofthe inner clock CLK is locked in the normal operation. mode before thepower saving mode is used for an initial control voltage of the voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 244 (the initial control voltage when thevoltage controlled oscillator 244 changes to the operating state), thefrequency of the inner clock CLK0 can be locked rapidly as compared to,for example, a case where the initial control voltage of the voltagecontrolled oscillator 244 is 0V.

Note that the above can be achieved only if there is not a change in thedata transmission rate (range) of the transmission/reception data as inthe case of the recovery from the power saving mode to the normaloperation mode.

That is, in the interface system, there is a mode where the datatransmission rate of the transmission/reception data is changed. In sucha case, an algorithm for rapidly locking the output frequency of thevoltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 after the change of the datatransmission rate by using the control voltage V0 of the voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 244 before the change of the datatransmission rate does not adopted.

The CDR circuit 25 includes a phase comparator 251, charge pump circuit252, loop filter 253, voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254, andoperation control unit 255.

The phase comparator 251 compares a phase of the serial data D0 to aphase of an inner clock (feedback clock) CLK1 from the voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 254. The phase comparator 251 outputscontrol signals (up signals and down signals) corresponding to a phasedifference of these clocks.

For example, if frequency of the serial data D0 is higher than frequencyof the inner clock CLK1, the phase comparator 251 outputs up signals toincrease the frequency of the inner clock CLK1. Furthermore, iffrequency of the serial data D0 is lower than frequency of the innerlock CLK1, the phase comparator 251 outputs down signals to decrease thefrequency of the inner clock CLK1.

The charge pump circuit 252 converts the control signals (up signals anddown signals) from the phase comparator 251 into a charge pump current(analog signals) and outputs the charge pump current to the loop filter253. The loop filter 253 converts the charge pump current into a controlvoltage V1. The voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254 outputs theinner clock CLK1 on the basis of the control voltage V1. That is, theCDR circuit 25 generates the inner clock CLK1 synchronized with serialdata D0.

Furthermore, if frequency of the inner clock CLK1 is lower than thefrequency of serial data D0 (if frequency of serial data D0 is greaterthan frequency of the inner clock CLK1), the phase comparator 251outputs up signals and the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254increases the frequency of the inner clock CLK1.

On the other hand, if the frequency of the inner clock CLK1 is greaterthan the frequency of serial data D0 (if frequency of serial data D0 isless than frequency of the inner clock CLK1), the phase comparator 251outputs down signals and the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254decreases the frequency of the inner clock CLK1.

Through the above control, the frequency of the inner clock CLK1 is,eventually, locked to the frequency of serial data D0. Such a statewhere the frequency of the inner clock CLK1 is locked is a state wherethe synchronization of the inner clock CLK1 is established and the datatransfer of the transmission/reception data becomes possible between thehost and the device.

The operation control unit 255 changes, for example, the CDR circuit 25into a standby state from an operating state when the device is in apower saving mode. Note that, the CDR circuit 25 may be maintained in anoperating state even when the device is in a power saving mode.

In this example, the operation control unit 255 changes, in a standbystate, the charge pump circuit 252, loop filter 253, and voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 254 which are surrounded by an area Y to anon-operating state, respectively. Thus, in a period of time when thedata transfer of the transmission/reception data between the host andthe device is not performed, the power consumption of the interfacesystem can be reduced.

The phase comparator 251 is, for example, constantly in an operatingstate while the device is physically connected to the host. Thus, theoperation control unit 255 can control the operation of the charge pumpcircuit 252, loop filter 253, and voltage controlled oscillator (VCO)254 on the basis of control signals φ1 from the phase comparator 251.

For example, if control signals (pi indicate that serial data D0 are notinput, the operation control unit 255 changes the charge pump circuit252, loop filter 253, and voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254 to anon-operating state. Furthermore, if control signals φ1 indicate thatserial data D0 are input, the operation control unit 255 changes thecharge pump circuit 252, loop filter 253, and voltage controlled.oscillator (VCO) 254 to an operating state.

The operation control unit 255 supplies, when the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 254 is operated, the control voltage VU of the PLLcircuit 24 to the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 254 as an initialcontrol voltage (control voltage at a time when the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 254 changes in an operating state).

Thus, in a case of the recovery to the normal operation mode from thepower saving mode, the initial control voltage of the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 254 becomes the control voltage V0 of the voltagecontrolled oscillator 244 in the PLL circuit 24, or the initial controlvoltage from the control voltage memory unit 247, and thus, thefrequency of the inner clock CLK1 can be locked rapidly as compared to,for example, a case where the initial control voltage of the voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 254 is 0V.

FIG. 4A is a diagram showing an example of the control voltage memoryunit 247.

The control voltage memory unit 247 includes a counter register 247 a,digital-analog converter (DAC) 247 b, differential amplifier(comparator) 247 c, and switch element SW.

The counter register 247 a stores initial control voltage (digitalvalue) VC_0 of the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244. The initialcontrol voltage VCO is stored as a default value when the device isshipped. Furthermore, when the data transfer of transmission/reception.data is performed between a host and a device, the counter register 247a stores, in a normal operation. mode immediately before the currenttime point, the control voltage of the locked voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 244 stored therein as an initial control voltage VCO.

For example, upon changing from power saving mode to a normal operationmode, the switch element SW is turned on. Furthermore, the initialcontrol voltage (digital value) VCO stored in the counter register 247 ais converted into an analog value by the digital-analog converter (DAC)247 b, and is supplied to the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 asa control voltage V0.

As a result, a period of time required to lock the output frequency ofthe voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244, that is, a lockup timeuntil the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 is established isshortened significantly. Furthermore, The lockup time is steady. Thatis, for example, the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 is securelyestablished within a certain period of time after the confirmation ofthe device entering a normal operation mode from a power saving mode.

The switch element SW is turned off after supplying the initial controlvoltage VC_0 to the voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244. The timingfor turning off the switch element SW may be any one of timings afterthe supply of the initial control voltage VC_0 to the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 244. For example, the switch element SW may be turnedoff before the above certain period of time when the synchronization ofthe inner clock CLK0 is securely established or thereafter.

When the switch element SW is turned off, the control voltage V0 fromthe loop filter 243 is, for example, input to a positive input terminalof the differential amplifier 247 c. Furthermore, the initial controlvoltage VC_0 stored in the counter register 247 a is, for example, inputin a negative input terminal of the differential amplifier 247 c throughthe digital-analog converter (DAC) 247 b.

As shown in FIG. 4B, if the control voltage V0 is greater than theinitial control voltage VC_0, the differential amplifier 247 c outputsup signals (+). The value of the up signals becomes greater inproportion to a difference between the initial control voltage VC_0 andthe control voltage V0. The counter register 247 a updates the initialcontrol voltage VC_0 in accordance with the value of the up signals,that is, the initial control voltage VC_0 is increased by the number ofsteps corresponding to the value of the up signals.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4B, if the initial control voltage VC_0 isGreater than the control voltage V0, the differential amplifier 247 coutputs down signals (−). The value of the down signals becomes greaterin proportion to a difference between the initial control voltage VC_0and the control voltage V0. The counter register 247 a updates theinitial control voltage VC_0 in accordance with the value of the downsignals, that is, the initial control voltage VC_0 is decreased by thenumber of steps corresponding to the value of the down signals.

The above operation is repeated, and thereby a voltage output from thedigital-analog converter (DAC) 247 b follows the control voltage V0 fromthe loop filter 243, Eventually, the control voltage V0 from the loopfilter 243 when the frequency, of the inner clock CLK0 (outputfrequency) is locked is stored in the counter register 247 a as anupdated initial control voltage VC_0.

Note that, in this example, the number of steps of up/down signals is inproportion to a difference between VC_0 and V0; however, thedifferential amplifier 247 c may be operated as a comparator, andthereby VC_0 may be changed step-by-step. In that case, the value ofVC_0 stored in the counter register 247 a changes one step at a timecorresponding to up/down signals (+1) from the differential amplifier247 c. Through such a process, the voltage output from thedigital-analog. converter (DAC) 247 b follows the control voltage V0from the loop filter 243.

With the control voltage memory unit 247 as above, the value of theinitial control voltage VC_0 stored in the counter register 247 a isupdated following the control voltage V0 from the loop filter 243. Withsuch a system, the present embodiment can be applied to a plurality ofinterface systems having reference clocks RCLK of differencefrequencies. That is, if the initial control voltage VC_0 is a fixedvalue or is selected from a plurality of fixed values, such a case isdifficult to be applied to a system an which frequency or the referenceclock RCLK is an arbitrary value.

Note that the initial control voltage VC_0 may be stored in a memorycircuit which is different from the counter register 247 a, that is,volatile RAMs such as SRAM and DRAM, non-volatile RAMs such as MRAM, orlatch circuit. Furthermore, the initial control voltage VC_0 may bestored as a digital value or an analog value.

As can be understood from the above, with the embodiment shown in FIGS.2 to 4 , in a case where the data transmission rate (range) of thetransfer/reception. data is not changed as before and after a powersaving mode, an initial control voltage of the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 244 in the PLL circuit 24 is a lock voltage VC_0(control voltage at a time when the output frequency of the voltagecontrolled oscillator 244 is locked) stored in the control voltagememory unit 247. The lock voltage VC_0 stored in the control voltagememory unit 247 is a lock voltage which is used before the power savingmode. Furthermore, an initial control voltage of the voltage controlledoscillator (VCO) 254 in the CDR circuit 25 is a control voltage V0 ofthe voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 244 in the PLL circuit 24 or thelock voltage VC_0 from the control voltage memory unit 247.

Thus, in the embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 5 , a period oftime required to lock the output frequency of the PLL circuit 24, thatis, a lockup time until the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 isestablished (an example T0 to T1) is reduced significantly as comparedto a comparative example T0 to 12. Furthermore, if a lock voltage Bafter the power saving mode is difference from a lock voltage A beforethe power saving mode, a variety Δ0 of lockup time in the embodiment isless than a variety, Δ1 of lockup time in the comparative example. Thismeans that, in the embodiment, the lockup time of the PLL circuit 24 isquick and steady.

Thus, as will be described later, a new mode in which the supply of thereference clock RCLK is stopped when the device changes into a dormantstate and a handshake between the host and the device is omitted. in acase where the device returns to an active state can. be added. That is,since the lockup time of the PLL circuit 24 is quick and steady, whenthe device returns to an active state, the data transfer oftransmission/reception data can be performed immediately after a certainperiod of time after reverting to the active state.

Furthermore, in the embodiment, for example, as shown in FIG. 6 , aperiod of time required to lock the output frequency of the CDR circuit25, that is, a lockup time until the synchronization of the inner clockCLK1 is established (an example T0 to T3) is reduced significantly ascompared to a comparative example T0 to T4.

Therefore, an interface system of less standby. power and rapid recoverycan be achieved.

FIG. 7 shows a state transition of a device.

The stat transition of a T device is controlled or managed by thecontroller 21 of FIG. 1 .

Reset state, dormant state, and active state are as explained withreference to FIG. 1 and thus, the explanation here will be omitted. Alink check state is a state where the synchronization of the inner clockCLK0 generated by the PLL circuit 24 and the synchronization of theinner clock CLK1 generated by the CDR circuit 25 of FIGS. 1 to 6 arechecked whether or not they are established.

In this example, there are two types of dormant state.

A dormant state S_d0 is, for example, a state where, in a power savingmode, the PLL circuit 24 generates an inner clock CLK0 and the CDRcircuit 25 does not generate an inner clock CLK1. That is, in thedormant state S_d0, the reference clock RCLK is supplied to the deviceform the host and the reference clock transmission line 30 of FIGS. 1and 2 is in an active state.

For example, in the dormant state S_d0, the DLL circuit 24 of FIG. 3 isin an operating state while the CDR circuit 25 of FIG. 3 issubstantially in a non-operating state. That is, in the CDR circuit 25in the dormant state S_d0, the phase comparator 251 is in an operatingstate while the charge pump circuit 252, loop filter 253, and voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 254 in the area Y are in a non-operatingstate. Furthermore, serial data D0 are not supplied from the host to thedevice, and the data transmission line 31 of FIGS. 1 and 2 is in anon-active state.

A dormant state S_d1 is, for example, a state where, in a power savingmode, the DLL circuit 24 does not generate an inner clock CLK0 and theCDR circuit 25 does not Generate an inner clock CLK1. That is, in thedormant state S_d1, the reference clock RCLK and serial data D0 are notsupplied to the device from the host, and the reference clocktransmission line 30 and data transmission line 31 of FIGS. 1 and 2 arein a non-active state (electric idle: EIDL).

For example, in the dormant state S_d1, the DLL circuit 24 and the CDRcircuit 25 of FIG. 3 are both substantially, in a non-operating state.That is, in the DLL circuit 24 in the dormant state S_d1, the phasecomparator 241 is in an operating state while the charge pump circuit242, loop filter 243, and voltage controlled oscillator (OR-20) 244 inthe area X are in a non-operating state. Furthermore, in the CDR circuitin the dormant state S_d1, the phase comparator 251 is in an operatingstate while the charge pump circuit. 252, loop filter 253, and voltagecontrolled oscillator (VCO) 254 in the area Y are in a non-operatingstate.

[Transition from reset state to active state]

FIG. 8 shows an example of a transition from a reset state to an activestate.

When the device 20 enters a state where it is physically connected to ahost from a reset state (where the device 20 is physically disconnectedfrom the host 10), the device 20 is in a dormant state S_d1.

In the dormant state (time t0 to t1) S_d1, the transmission lines 30,31, and 32 are in a non-active state (EIDL). For example, if thetransmission lines 30, 31, and 32 each have a signal line pair (lane+and lane−) as a differential pair, the signal line pair (lane+ andlane−) in the dormant state S_d1 are, for example, both set to a groundvoltage Vss.

Firstly, the host 10 outputs STBL signal to the data transmission line31 in order to instruct the device 20 to transit (change) to an activestate S_active. The host 10 outputs a reference clock RCLK to thereference clock transmission line 30.

STBL signal is a DC level signal in which a low level voltage is appliedto a positive signal line (lane+) of the data transmission line 31 and ahigh level voltage is applied to a negative signal line (lane−) of thedata transmission line 31. That is, STBL signal means a strobe (STB)signal by which a low level voltage is applied to lane+ and the voltageof signal line pair (lane+ and lane−) does not change timewise.

The device 20, upon detecting STBL signals, transits (path B of FIG. 7 )to a link check state (time t1 to t2) S_link to check each of theestablishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 and theestablishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK1 beforetransition to an active state. The link check state S_link also isreferred to as a handshake check state to check whether or not datatransfer of transmission/reception data becomes possible between thehost 10 and the device 20.

The device 20 outputs, after confirmation of the establishment of thesynchronization of the inner clock CLK0, a STBL signal (a response forhandshake) to the data transmission line 32. The host 10 can confirm theestablishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 in shedevice 20 by checking the STBL signal transmitted from the device 20through the data transmission line 32.

The host 10 outputs, after confirming a handshake of STBL signals, thatis, the establishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0,SYN signals to the data transmission line 31.

SYN signals are, for example, AC level signals in which a voltage ofsignal line pair (lane+ and lane−) of the data transmission line 31changes timewise between a high level and a low level. SYN signals aresynchronous signals used for establishing the synchronization of theinner clock CLK1 in order to perform the data transfer oftransmission/reception data.

When the device 20 confirms that the synchronization of the inner clockCLK1 is established using the SYN signals, the device 20 outputs SYNsignals (a response for handshake) to the data transmission line 32. Thehost 10 can confirm the completion of the establishment of thesynchronization. of the inner clock CLK1 in the device 20 by checkingSYN signals transmitted from the device 20 through the data transmissionline 32.

When the host 10 confirms the completion of the establishment of thesynchronization of the inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 in the device 20, thedevice 20 enters an active state S_active in which the data transfer oftransmission/reception data (packet data) PKT becomes possible betweenthe host 10 and the device 20 (path C of FIG. 7 ).

[Transition Between Active State and Dormant State]

FIG. 9 shows an example of a transition between an active state and adormant state.

In the FIG. 9 , A, B, C, D, A′, and D′ correspond to paths A, B, C, D,A′, and D′ of a state machine of FIG. 7 .

In the interface system of FIGS. 1 to 6 , the device 20 enters, if acertain condition is satisfied, a power saving mode (dormant state) froma normal operation mode (active state) in order to reduce powerconsumption in the system. A certain condition is, for example, a casewhere data transfer of transmission/reception data is not performedbetween the host 10 and the device 20 for a certain period of time.

When a certain condition is satisfied, the device 20 enters the powersaving mode, and therein, whether or not a certain condition issatisfied may be determined by the host 10 or the device 20. In a casewhere the host 10 determines that a certain condition is satisfied, thehost 10 transmits a command to change the mode of the device 20 to thepower saving mode to the device 20 through, for example, a datatransmission line D0.

An important point here is, in the interface system of the presentembodiment, there are two types of dormant state as described above. Oneis a dormant state S_d0 of FIG. 7 and the other is a dormant state ofFIG. 7 .

The dormant state S_d0 is a dormant state in which a reference clockRCLK is supplied to the PLL circuit 24 and the PLL circuit 24 is in anoperating state, and corresponds to a low power mode of UHS-II standard(different from a dormant state in UHS-II standard). The dormant stateS_d1 is a dormant state in which a reference clock RCLK is not suppliedto the PLL circuit 24 and the PLL circuit 24 is in a non-operatingstate, and corresponds to a dormant state of UHS-II standard (in UHS-IIstandard, there is only one dormant state).

Furthermore, an important point in the interface system of the presentinvention is that there are two types of paths to return to an activestate S_active from a dormant state S_d1. One is a direct return path toan active state S_active from a dormant state S_d1 (path D of FIG. 7 ),and the other is a path to return to an active state S_active from adormant state S_d1 through a link check state S_link (path B to C ofFIG. 7 ).

Path D returns to an active state S_active from a dormant state S_d1without passing a link check state S_link even when a reference clockRCLK is not supplied to the PLL circuit 24 and the PLL circuit 24 is ina non-operating state, and in this respect, path D is significant in theinterface system of FIGS. 1 to 6 .

Such a return is achievable because, as described above with referenceto FIGS. 1 to 6 , the PLL circuit 24 can establish the synchronizationof the inner clock CLK0 within a certain period of time after the device20 confirms a return to an active state, that is, the PLL circuit 24 canlock the frequency of the inner clock CLK0 within a certain period oftime after the device 20 confirms a return to an active state.Furthermore, since the CDR circuit 25 generates the inner clock CLK1using the control voltage V0 of the PLL circuit 24, the CDR circuit 25can establish the synchronization of the inner clock CLK1, that is, lockthe frequency of the inner clock CLK1 within the certain period of time.

That is, in the interface system of FIGS. 1 so 6, the synchronization ofeach of the inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 is securely established withinthe certain period of time, a direct return from the dormant state S_d1to the active state S_active is achievable without performing a linkcheck, that is, a handshake check between the host 10 and the device 20.

Note that path B to C corresponds to an ordinary return path to anactive state S_active from a dormant state S_d1 in UHS-II standard.

In summary, as shown in FIG. 9 , in the interface system of FIGS. 1 to 6, there are recovery modes of three types M0, M1, and M2.

Selection of the modes is performed by, for example, adding a flag QR todesignate recovery mode M0, M1, or M2 in an instruction command to entera power saving mode if the host 10 instructs the device 20 to enter thepower saving mode. Here, since there are recovery modes of three typesM0, M1, and M2, the flag QR is two bits.

For example, if the flag QR is 01, recovery mode M0 is selected. In thatcase, the device 20 enters a dormant state S_d0 from an active stateS_active (path A′), and then, directly returns to an active stateS_active from the dormant state S_d0 (path D′).

Furthermore, if the flag QR is 10, recovery mode M1 is selected. in thatcase, the device 20 enters a dormant state S_d1 from an active stateS_active (path A), and then, directly returns to an active stateS_active from the dormant state S_d1 (path D).

Furthermore, if the flag QR is 11, recovery mode M2 is selected. in thatcase, the device 20 enters a dormant state S_d1 from an active stateS_active (path A), and then, returns to an active state S_active fromthe dormant state S_d1 through a link check state S_link (path B to C).

[Transition from active state to dormant state]

FIGS. 10A and 10B show an example of a transition from an active stateto a dormant state.

If the device 20 is in an active state (time t3 to t4) S_active, thetransmission lines 30, 31, and 32 are all in an active state. Thereference clock RCLK is transmitted to the device 20 from the host 10through the reference clock transmission line 30. Thetransmission/reception data (packet data) PKT are transferred betweenthe host 10 and the device 20 through the data transmission lines 31 and32.

In the active state S_active, the host 10 outputs a command GO_DS to thedata transmission line 31 in order to instruct the device 20 to enter adormant state S_d0 or S_d1. Subsequently, the host 10 outputs a STBHsignal to the data transmission line 31.

The command GO_DS instructs a transition to the dormant state S_d0 orS_d1, and includes a flag QR to select one of recovery modes M0, M1, andM2. The selection of recovery modes M0, M1, and M2 can be performed by,for example, power management as shown in FIG. 11 .

In an example of FIG. 11 , four kinds of power states of the interfacesystem exist.

D0 state is, for example, a state where all of the power sources of theinterface system are curried on, and corresponds to an active stateS_active. D1 state is, for example, a state where the power sources ofthe interface system are partly turned off, and corresponds to a dormantstate S_d0. D2 state is, for example, a state where the power sources ofthe interface system are partly turned off, and corresponds to a dormantstate S_d1. D3 state is, for example, a state where the power sources ofthe interface system are partly or entirely turned off, and correspondsto a dormant state S_d1.

The power consumption of the interface system gradually decreases fromD0 state to D3 state. In comparison, a recovery time required to returnto an active state S_active from a dormant state S_d0 or S_d1 graduallyincreases from D0 state to D3 state. That is, the power consumption andthe recovery time are in a tradeoff relationship.

In consideration of the tradeoff, for example, an operating system (OS)used in the host 10 selects, in order to change the state of the device20 to a dormant state S_d0 or S_d1, an optimal mode from the recoverymodes M0, M1, and M2 using the power consumption and recovery time asparameters. Furthermore, the operating system associates, for example,the recovery mode M0 with D1 state, recovery mode M1 with D0 state, andrecovery mode M2 with D3 state.

Here, a difference between recovery mode M1 and recovery mode M2 will beexplained.

The recovery mode M1 is selected if a change of the data transmissionrate (range) of transmission/reception data is not performed. In thatcase, a control voltage by which the output frequency of the PLL circuitand the CDR circuit is locked does not change significantly. Thus, withthe high speed PLL circuit 24 and the high speed CDR circuit 25 as shownin FIGS. 3 and 4 , a recovery within a certain period of time ispossible, and recovery mode M1 can be selected.

The recovery mode M2 is selected if a change of the data transmissionrate (range) of transmission/reception data is performed. That is, inthe interface system of FIGS. 1 to 6 , the output frequency (datatransmission rate) of the PLL circuit and the CDR circuit may be changedin some cases, and therein, a control voltage by which the outputfrequency of the PLL circuit and the CDR circuit is locked is changedsignificantly. Thus, a recovery to an active state within a certainperiod of time is not possible, and recovery mode M2 is selected.

STBH signal is a DC level signal in which a high level voltage isapplied to a positive signal line (lane+) of the data transmission line31 and a low level voltage is applied to a negative signal line (lane−)of the data transmission line 31. That is, STBH signal means a strobe(STB) signal by which a high level voltage is applied to lane+ and thevoltage of signal line pair (lane+ and lane−) does not change timewise.

The device 20, upon receiving the command GO DS and subsequentlydetecting STBH signal, enters a dormant state S_d0 or S_d1 (path A or A′of FIG. 7 ). Furthermore, the device 20 outputs, after detecting STBHsignal, STBH signal (a response indicating the reception of STBH signalfrom the host 10) to the data transmission line 32. The host 10 canconfirm the transition of the device 20 into a dormant state S_d0 orS_d1 by checking STBH signal transmitted from the device 20 through thedata transmission line 32.

Note that LIDL is a signal to maintain the synchronization of the datatransfer using the data transmission line 32. Furthermore, the device 20may output, after receiving the command GO_DS, the command GO DS_(aresponse indicating the reception of the command GO_DS) to the datatransmission line 32.

Here, in the transition to a dormant state S_d0 (FIG. 10A), the host 10keeps outputting the reference clock RCLK to the reference clocktransmission line 30. On the other hand, in the transition to a dormantstate S_d1 (FIG. 10B), the host 10 stops supplying of the referenceclock RCLK to the device 20.

That is, in the dormant state S_d0, the reference clock transmissionline 30 is in an active state, and the data transmission lines 31 and 32are an a non-active state (EIDL). The signal line pairs (lane+ andlane−) of each of the transmission lines 31 and 32 in a non-active stateare both set to a ground voltage Vss.

Furthermore, in the dormant state S_d1, the reference clock transmissionline 30 and data transmission lines 31 and 32 are all in a non-activestate (EIDL). The signal line pairs (lane+ and lane−) of each of thetransmission lines 30, 31, and 32 in a non-active state are all set to aground voltage Vss.

[Transition from Dormant State to Active State (Mode M0)]

FIG. 12 shows an example of a return to an active state in mode M0.

In a dormant state (time t0 to t1) S_d0, the reference clocktransmission line 30 is in an active state (RCLK_Active), and thereference clock RCLK is supplied to the device 20. On the other hand,the data transmission lines 31 and 32 are in a non-active state (EIDL).

Firstly, the host 10 outputs STBL signal to the data transmission line31 in order to instruct the device 20 to transit (change) to an activestate S_active. Subsequently, the host 10 outputs SIN signal to the datatransmission line 31. The device 20 transits (changes) to an activestate S_active immediately after detecting STBL signal and SYN signal(path D′ of FIG. 7 ).

Here, STBL signal and SIN signal define a certain period of time (timet1 to t5) from the instruction to the device 20 to transit (change) toan active state S_active to the locking of the PLL circuit and the CDRcircuit (until the inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 are synchronized).

That is, in mode M0, a handshake check to check whether or not datatransfer of transmission/reception data becomes possible is notperformed between the host 10 and the device 20. This is because, asdescribed above, the reference clock RCLK is supplied and the PLLcircuit is in an operating state in a dormant state S_d0, and a certainperiod of time required until the PLL circuit and the CDR circuit arelocked, that is, until the synchronization of each of the inner clocksCLK0 and CLK1 is established is short and steady.

Thus, the device 20 transits to an active state S_active in which datatransfer of transmission/reception data (packet data) PKT between thehost 10 and the device 20 becomes possible after a certain period oftime after confirming a transition to the active state S_active withoutperforming a handshake check.

[Transition from Dormant State to Active State (Mode M1) ]

FIG. 13 shows an example of a return to an active state in mode M1.

In a dormant state (time t0 to t1) the transmission lines 30, 31, and 32are in a non-active state (EIDL).

Firstly, the host 10 outputs STBL signal to the data transmission line31 in order to instruct the device 20 to transit (change) to an activestate S_active. Subsequently, the host 10 outputs SYN signal to the datatransmission line 31. Furthermore, the host 10 outputs a reference clockRCLK to the reference clock transmission line 30.

The device 20 transits (changes) to an active state S_active immediatelyafter detecting STBL signal and SYN signal (path D of FIG. 7 ).

Here, STBL signal and SYN signal define a certain period of time (time01 to t5) from the instruction to the device 20 to transit (change) toan active state S_active to the locking of the PLL circuit and the CDRcircuit (until the inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 are synchronized).

That is, in mode M1, a handshake check to check whether or not datatransfer of transmission/reception data becomes possible is notperformed between the host 10 and the device 20 as well. This isbecause, as described above, with the high speed PLL circuit and thehigh speed CDR circuit, even if the reference clock RCLK is stopped in adormant state S_d1, a certain period of time required until these PLLand CDR circuits are locked, that is, until the synchronization of eachof the inner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 is established is short and steady.

Thus, the device 20 transits to an active state S_active in which datatransfer of transmission/reception data (packet data) PKT between thehost 10 and the device 20 becomes possible after a certain period oftime after confirming a transition to the active state S_active withoutperforming a handshake check.

In mode M1, as in mode M0, rapid recovery to an active state S_active isperformable, and in addition thereto, since the reference clock RCLK isstopped in a dormant state S_d1, for example, power consumption of theinterface system in a power saving mode can be reduced more effectivelyas compared to mode M0.

[Transition from Dormant State to Active State (Mode M2)]

FIG. 14 shows an example of a return to an active state in mode M2.

In a dormant state (time t0 to t1) S_d1, the transmission lines 30, 31,and 32 are in a non-active state (EIDL).

Firstly, the host 10 outputs STBL signal to the data transmission line31 in order to instruct the device 20 to transit (change) to an activestate S_active, Furthermore, the host 10 outputs a reference clock RCLKto the reference clock transmission line 30.

The device 20 transits, upon detection of STBL signal, to a link checkstate (time t1 to t6) S_link to check synchronization of the inner clockCLK0 and synchronization of the inner clock CLK1 before transiting to anactive state (path B of FIG. 7 ). The link check state S_link is ahandshake check state to check whether or not data transfer oftransmission/reception data becomes possible between the host 10 and thedevice 20.

The device 20 outputs, after confirmation of the establishment of thesynchronization of the inner clock CLK0, STBL signal (a response forhandshake) to the data transmission line 32. The host 10 can confirm theestablishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0 in thedevice 20 by checking STBL signal transmitted from the device 20 throughthe data transmission line 32.

The host 10 outputs, after confirming a handshake of STBL signals, thatis, the establishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK0,SYN signals to the data transmission line 31.

After the synchronization of the inner clock CLK1 is established usingthe SYN signals, the device 20 outputs SYN signals (a response forhandshake) to the data transmission line 32. The host 10 can confirm theestablishment of the synchronization of the inner clock CLK1 in thedevice 20 by checking SYN signals transmitted from the device 20 throughthe data transmission line 32.

The host 10 confirms the establishment of the synchronization of theinner clocks CLK0 and CLK1 in the device 20, and the device 20 transitsto an active state S_active in which the data transfer oftransmission/reception data (packet data) PKT becomes possible betweenthe host 10 and the device 20 (path C of FIG. 7 ).

(Memory Card System)

FIG. 15 shows an example of a memory card system to which the embodimentcan be applied.

A host 10 and a device 20 are connected to each other throughtransmission lines (lane+ and lane−) 30, 31, and 32. The host 10 is anelectronic device such as a personal computer, digital camera,smartphone, or tablet. The device 20 is a storage device such as amemory card.

The host 10 includes a device interface 12, transmitter 27′, receiver23′, controller 11, random access memory (RAM) 33, and bus 34. If thehost 10 has only a data transfer function, the receiver 23′ in the host10 can be omitted.

The device 20 includes a host interface 22, transmitter 27, receiver 23,controller 21, non-volatile memory 35, and bus 36. The nonvolatilememory 35 is, for example, a NAND flash memory. The nonvolatile memorymay include memory cells of two-dimensional structure or memory cells ofthree-dimensional structure.

The interface system of FIGS. 1 to 6 is applied to, for example, thehost interface 22 in the device 20. Thus, power consumed by the device20 can be reduced and rapid recovery of the device 20 from a dormantstate to an active state is possible.

(Conclusion)

As can be understood from the above, in the present embodiment, a newmode in which the supply of a reference clock is stopped when the devicetransits (changes) to a dormant state, and a handshake between the hostand device is omitted when the device returns to an active state isadded, and thus, an interface system in which a standby power isminimized and a rapid recovery is possible can be achieved.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

1-16. (canceled)
 17. A memory card connectable to a host, the memorycard comprising: a host interface including a receiver and a first clockgenerator, the receiver being configured to receive a first clock andserial data from the host, the first clock generator including a firstvoltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and configured to generate a secondclock on the basis of the first clock; and a controller configured tomanage a state of the memory card, the state of the memory cardincluding a first state and a second state, wherein the first clock andthe serial data are supplied to the receiver in the first state and arenot supplied to the receiver in the second state, and in the firststate, the first clock generator is in an operating state, in the secondstate, the first clock generator is in a non-operating state, thecontroller is further configured to, in a first recovery mode, startreceiving data or transmitting data from or to the host after a certainperiod of time after confirming a transition from the second state tothe first state, without performing a handshake check.
 18. The memorycard of claim 17, wherein the host interface further includes a secondclock generator and a sampling circuit, the second clock generatorincluding a second voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and configured togenerate a third clock on the basis of the serial data, the samplingcircuit configured to sample reception data on the basis of the thirdclock and the serial data, in the first state, the second clockgenerator is in an operating state, in the second state, the secondclock generator is in a non-operating state, the controller is furtherconfigured to, in the first recovery mode, start sampling of thereception data or transmitting of data to the host after the certainperiod of time after confirming the transition from the second state tothe first state, without performing the handshake check.
 19. The memorycard of claim 18, wherein the controller is further configured totransfer a response indicative of establishment of synchronization ofthe second and third clocks to the host through the host interface andthen start sampling of the reception data or transmitting of thetransmission data to the host, when confirming a transition from thesecond state to the first state in a second recovery mode.
 20. Thememory card of claim 19, wherein the state of the memory card furtherincludes a third state, in the third state, the first clock generator isin an operating state and the second clock generator is in anon-operating state, the controller is further configured to, in a thirdrecovery mode, start sampling of the reception data or transmitting ofthe transmission data to the host after a certain period of time afterconfirming a transition from the third state to the first state, and nottransmit a response indicative of establishment of synchronization ofthe second and third clocks to the host.
 21. The memory card of claim20, wherein the controller is further configured to confirm a transitionfrom the second state to the first state, or a transition from the thirdstate to the first state, on the basis of a command from the host. 22.The memory card of claim 21, wherein the command includes a flag whichselects one of the first, second, and third recovery modes.
 23. Thememory card of claim 22, wherein the controller is further configured toset the first and second clock generators to the first state in a normaloperation mode, and set the first and second clock generators to thesecond or third state in a power saving mode, and power consumption ofthe second state is less than power consumption of the third state. 24.The memory card of claim 18, wherein frequency of the second clock andfrequency of the third clock are locked in the certain period of time.25. The memory card of claim 17, wherein the first clock generatorincludes a memory unit configured to store an initial control voltage ofthe first voltage controlled oscillator (VCO).
 26. The memory card ofclaim 25, wherein the memory unit stores a control voltage of the firstvoltage controlled oscillator (VCO) as the initial control voltage whenfrequency of the second clock is locked in the first state before thefirst recovery mode, and applies the initial control voltage to thefirst voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) in the first recovery mode.27. The memory card of claim 26, wherein a data transmission rate of thereception data or the transmission data in the first state before thefirst recovery mode is substantially the same as a data transmissionrate of the reception data or the transmission data in the first stateafter the first recovery mode.
 28. The memory card of claim 17, whereinthe controller is further configured to confirm a transition from thesecond state to the first state, on the basis of a command from thehost.
 29. The memory card of claim 19, wherein the controller is furtherconfigured to confirm a transition from the second state to the firststate, on the basis of a command from the host.